Jeremiah 43:4-7 is about the disobedience of the Israelites who refused to listen to God’s warnings through the prophet Jeremiah, choosing instead to flee to Egypt in an act of rebellion against God’s command, ultimately leading to destruction and judgment upon them.
4 So Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces and all the people did not obey the voice of the Lord to remain in the land of Judah.
5 But Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces took all the remnant of Judah who had returned to live in the land of Judah from all the nations to which they had been driven—
6 the men, the women, the children, the princesses, and every person whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan; also Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch the son of Neriah.
7 So they came into the land of Egypt, for they did not obey the voice of the Lord. And they arrived at Tahpanhes.
Setting the Scene for Jeremiah 43:4-7
In Jeremiah chapter 43, we find a scene set in the land of Egypt, shortly after the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. The main characters in this scene are Johanan, the son of Kareah, and all the arrogant men who were with him. These men had fled to Egypt out of fear of the Babylonians and had taken Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch the scribe with them.
The surroundings are likely a desolate and uncertain landscape, as the people in this scene are refugees seeking safety in a foreign land. Johanan and his companions had sought Jeremiah’s counsel, promising to obey whatever the Lord instructed through him. However, despite Jeremiah’s warnings against going to Egypt, they refused to listen and accused him of lying. This scene captures the tension and defiance of the people as they struggle to make sense of their circumstances and determine their next steps in a time of great upheaval and uncertainty.
What is Jeremiah 43:4-7 about?
Imagine a scenario where you’ve been given clear instructions by someone you deeply trust and respect. Yet, for some reason, you choose to ignore those instructions and go your own way. You begin to see the consequences of your actions unfold before you as time passes. You realize that by disobedience, you have set into motion a chain of events that ultimately lead to destruction and hardships. This is similar to disobeying God, who out of love and wisdom, provides guidance and instructions for us to follow.
When we disobey God, we separate ourselves from His divine plan and invite negative consequences into our lives. It can lead to a breakdown in our relationship with Him, as well as bring about turmoil and hardships in various aspects of our lives. Just like a parent sets boundaries to protect their child, God’s guidance is meant to lead us toward a fulfilling and harmonious life. We put ourselves in harm’s way and risk losing out on the blessings and protection that come from following His will by choosing to disobey. Obedience to God is a pathway to peace, blessings, and protection, while disobedience can lead us down a road of destruction and consequences.
Understanding what Jeremiah 43:4-7 really means
Jeremiah 43:4-7 unfolds a narrative set against the backdrop of Israel’s turbulent history post the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. The remnant of Judah, under the leadership of Johanan and other officials, defied God’s explicit instruction conveyed through the prophet Jeremiah. Instead of remaining in Judah as commanded, they chose to flee to Egypt, a decision that epitomizes themes of disobedience, fear, and the repercussions of deviating from God’s ordained path.
The pivotal phrase, “So Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers and all the people disobeyed the Lord’s command to stay in the land of Judah,” starkly portrays the collective defiance of both the leaders and the populace, underscoring the gravity of their choice to disregard God’s directive. Their actions, led by Johanan, involved relocating the remnant of Judah from the safety and provision promised by God in Judah to Egypt, symbolizing a departure from divine protection and provision.
The inclusion of all those left in Judah, as indicated in the passage, amplifies the widespread impact of the leaders’ decision, emphasizing the magnitude of their disobedience. The narrative culminates in their arrival in Egypt, signifying the ultimate act of rebellion against God’s will, as they journeyed to Tahpanhes, a place historically associated with bondage and idolatry.
Drawing parallels from related biblical passages such as Jeremiah 42:10-12, Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 15, and Proverbs 3:5-6, the consequences of obedience and disobedience are vividly contrasted, providing a broader context for understanding the plight of the remnant of Judah. These passages underscore the timeless principles of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, resonating with the contemporary relevance of seeking and following God’s guidance in decision-making.
In a modern context, the passage serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of trusting in God’s plan, even when faced with uncertainty or fear. It underscores the repercussions of disobedience and underscores the criticality of aligning one’s actions with God’s will. An illustrative anecdote mirrors the experience of the remnant of Judah, emphasizing the consequences of straying from God’s guidance due to fear and lack of trust, leading to unforeseen challenges and hardships.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 43:4-7 stands as a compelling narrative urging readers to prioritize obedience and faith in God’s plan. It prompts individuals to seek divine guidance, trust in God’s promises, and acknowledge His sovereignty, recognizing that His ways transcend human understanding and that steadfast obedience leads to blessings while disobedience carries its own consequences.
Are we truly seeking God’s will or our own?
The passage in Jeremiah 43:4-7 highlights a situation where the people were seeking God’s will but had already decided on their own course of action. They asked for guidance from God through the prophet Jeremiah, claiming they would obey whatever God instructed them to do. However, despite their outward show of seeking God’s will, their hearts were set on going to Egypt, regardless of what God’s response would be.
This serves as a reminder for us to examine our true intentions when seeking God’s will. Are we sincerely open to following God’s guidance, even if it goes against our own desires and plans? Or are we seeking validation for decisions we have already made? It is important to be honest with ourselves and with God in our seeking, allowing His will to truly guide our actions and decisions. Approach seeking God’s will with humility, surrendering our own desires and plans to allow His perfect will to be done in our lives, learning from the example in Jeremiah 43:4-7. May we seek His guidance sincerely, with hearts willing to obey Him wholeheartedly, even if it means going against our own preferences.
Application
Transform yourself into a beacon of unwavering commitment to God’s teachings. Like a sturdy tree rooted deep in spiritual soil, let your actions reflect your dedication to His will. Embrace obedience as a guiding compass, steering you through life’s challenges with clarity and purpose. Will you let God’s word illuminate your path and shape your choices today?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.